Rhodonite is an attractive mineral that is primarily known as an ornamental stone, but is often seen in jewelry in the form of beads or cabochons. This mineral easily falls into the category of rare and exotic, making it highly prized by collectors of specimens and gemstones. Its name, derived from two Greek roots, means "rose-colored stone." Rhodonite, which is commonly found in massive or granular forms, is most often translucent to opaque in appearance. On rare occasion, transparent, gem-quality material may be found. Rhodonite's natural color ranges from pink to rose red to brownish red, often with blackish veins throughout.

Alternate
Names

Manganese Gravel, Fowlerite

Colors

Pink To Brownish, Purplish Red Often With Black Veining, Brown, Green Areas Due To Impurities

Rhodonite Classification

Common Name

Rhodonite

Species

Rhodonite

Variety

Colors

Pink To Brownish, Purplish Red Often With Black Veining, Brown, Green Areas Due To Impurities

Alternate Names

Manganese Gravel, Fowlerite

Gemstone Groups

Key Separations

RI, birefringence, appearance and spectrum.

Comments

Misnomer: pink marble. Might have a spot reading of 1.54 due to quartz impurities.

Rhodonite Optical Properties

Transparency

Translucent - Opaque

Refractive Index

1.733-1.747 Tolerance:(+0.010/-0.013)

Birefringence

0.01-0.014

Optic Character

Biaxial

Optic Sign

Positive

Polariscope Reaction

Aggregate (AGG)

Fluorescence

SWUV: Inert LWUV: Inert

CCF Reaction

Pleochroism

Unobservable

Dispersion

Strength: none

Comments

Rhodonite Chemistry & Crystallography

Chemical Name

manganese iron magnesium calcium silicate

Chemical Formula

(Mn, Fe, Mg, Ca) SiO3

Synthesis

Crystal System

Triclinic

Classification

Silicate

Nature

Natural

Crystallinity

Aggregate

Comments

Rhodonite Characteristic Physical Properties

Hardness

5.5-6.5

Streak

White

Specific Gravity

3.3-3.76 Typical:3.5

Toughness

Good

Inclusions

Rhodonite might have black, white or metallic veins or spots of manganese oxide.